In 1982 Yoshiki and Toshi established the band 'X'. Five Years later, 1987, Hide, Pata joined 'X', but in 1992 Taiji left. In August of 1992 they changed their band name from 'X' to 'X-JAPAN' ("Japan" has been added, because otherwise it could cause some confusion with the L.A. new wave act 'X' during a failed attempt to sell them in the U.S. in the early '90s). At that time Heath joined the band and became substitute for Taiji.
In all these years they became very, very popular and eveyone of their fans loved their music, their style and all members of 'X-JAPAN', But - that's the sadest part - they disbanded after 15 years of maximum, because Toshi decided to start his solo career on Septmeber 22nd, 1997. But Yoshiki planned the last event ("The Last Live" December, 31st, 1997) together and asked Toshi if he would be with them and he immediatly agreed.
"Especially one thing will every fan of X-Japan miss very much: The emotional moments on stage: Toshi, Heath, Pata, Yoshiki, Hide - sometimes you could see them weeping or hugging,(I have a cute pic of one of these moments, but wont upload cause you imature people would be like "EWW GAY!") because the atmosphere was so unbelievable as they and all fans were singing ballads like "Endless Rain", "Say Anything " or "Tears".